Within a few hours of the reshuffling of the federal Cabinet, Chandra Arya, Liberal MP from Nepean, fired a salvo asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to quit. He is the first Liberal MP of South Asian descent to express his dissent in the leadership of Justin Trudeau.
Though Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the fourth largest party in the House of Commons—the New Democrats—became the first MP of South Asian descent to ask Justin Trudeau to quit, Chandra Arya is the first South Asian from the Liberal caucus to revolt against Trudeau's leadership.
Chandra Arya has openly supported Chrystia Freeland as the new Liberal leader even though there is no official word about the Liberal leadership race. No Liberal has declared his or her intent to join the race to oust Justin Trudeau from the top position.
In a one-page letter addressed to Justin Trudeau, Chandra Arya says, “While I align as a fiscally centre-right liberal and have often disagreed with your more left-leaning positions, I have consistently supported you since last summer, even when some of our colleagues called for your resignation.
“However, it became apparent today you no longer hold the confidence of the House of Commons. Now I am reasonably certain that a majority of the Liberal caucus no longer support your leadership.
“Chrystia Freeland’s resignation marked a pivotal shift. While I was disappointed by the timing of her announcement, I must acknowledge her exceptional political acumen. Whether by design or circumstances, she has emerged as a credible and stable alternative to your leadership.
“Despite your low approval ratings, my support for you stemmed from the lack of a viable and reassuring alternative. Chrystia Freeland has now filled that void. To the Liberal caucus and Canadians at large, she represents stability and competence, ready to lead immediately. Her successful track record positions her ideally to address the looming challenge posed by the new US administration.
“Chrystia’s approach – polite yet firm – has demonstrated her capacity to stand up to even the most intimidating personalities, embodying the strength of an iron fist in a velvet glove.
“With all opposition parties united to on a motion of no-confidence, I believe it is time for you to step aside as leader of the Liberal caucus immediately.
“Chrystia’s years of dedication to building and maintaining caucus relationships – something unparalleled even by your closest advisers – give her a unique ability to unite the party. I am confident the caucus will rally behind her.
“Under Chrystia’s leadership, we can preserve our legacy and protect it from being dismantled by the current official opposition,” Chandra Arya said in his letter.
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